| One of the things I've studied for years, simply | | | | it's crucial that you understand this stage and |
| because it fascinates me, is the creative process. | | | | allow time for it. How much time? That's a tricky |
| There are stages in the creative process. I will tell | | | | question. If you don't already have an intuitive feel |
| you what they are, then show you how to work | | | | for this process, allow yourself as much time as |
| with these stages so that you are always | | | | possible. At least a week, two is better. (More |
| "writing," --i.e. working with the creative | | | | than that, you run the risk of lost momentum.) |
| process-no matter what else you may be doing | | | | Understand, this is not the same as |
| at the moment. | | | | procrastination. You continue to work. As ideas |
| Stage 1: Germination. This is the beginning, when | | | | come to you, continue to write them down and |
| you get the idea. There is a burst of | | | | throw them into a file called "my book" or "my |
| inspiration,the energy carries you through. I like to | | | | project." This stage is about not forcing results |
| use this phase for a special brainstorming | | | | prematurely, about learning to "tune in" to the |
| technique I use, which I'll talk about another time. | | | | project/idea as it gains momentum and takes |
| Use the special energy of this stage to get as | | | | form. |
| many ideas out as you can. Don't worry about | | | | Stage 3: Completion. This stage is when you "give |
| order; worrying about order of any kind at this | | | | birth" to your book, project, idea. You give it |
| stage short-circuits the energy. | | | | actual form--words on paper/computer, or |
| When you have a project you have to do or | | | | whatever result you are aiming for. This is the |
| want to do, take the time to brainstorm. You | | | | stage of manifestation. You sit down and write |
| might also want to "seed" your mind with some | | | | the book. You give form to the result you |
| research, fresh input of new ideas. | | | | envisioned. |
| Stage 2: Assimilation. This is a crucial next step, | | | | Another piece of this stage is receiving. You need |
| and productivity as a writer depends on how you | | | | to be able to receive the fruits of your labor. You |
| manage this step. In the process of literal birth, | | | | release your work to the world, and as you do |
| conception would be the germination stage, and | | | | so, you yourself receive it. |
| the nine-month gestation is the assimilation stage. | | | | To sum up, the creative process begins with an |
| This is when your idea takes form, but often | | | | idea. At this stage of germination, you "seed" the |
| internally, in a rather subconscious and invisible | | | | idea by brainstorming and "feeding" it new ideas. |
| fashion. You may find yourself feeling "blocked." | | | | You envision the result you want, but don't worry |
| Do not worry. Simply do something else. Take a | | | | now about the process- how you will get there. |
| shower, chop vegetables for a salad, go for a | | | | Then, you let the idea "go underground." When it |
| walk, do laundry. Even take a nap! | | | | feels like you're running a little dry, let it alone and |
| This is how you "write while you sleep." Once you | | | | go do other things. When an idea pops up, by all |
| have "seeded" your mind with ideas and research, | | | | means get it down, but don't belabor the process. |
| put your project completely out of your mind. | | | | When either a deadline looms or, better, an inner |
| Get on with your life. | | | | sense of urgency urges you to get moving, don't |
| As you do, know this: You are still writing! Let this | | | | delay. Assimilation has done its work, and it's time |
| process of assimilation and your own amazing | | | | to manifest, complete, actually finish your project. |
| mind do its work. | | | | When it's done, release it to the world and |
| By the way, when you're up against a deadline, | | | | receive it yourself. |